The quiet evening at a Palm Beach Gardens bookstore shattered on Monday, leaving a community reeling from a senseless act of violence. Rita Loncharich, a 65-year-old woman, became the victim of a brutal stabbing inside a Barnes & Noble at the Legacy Place shopping center, an event that unfolded around 8 p.m.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene as a man fled the store immediately after the attack. Police identified the suspect as 40-year-old Antonio Moore, launching an immediate investigation into the horrifying incident.
Responding officers discovered Loncharich suffering from a stab wound within the bookstore. Despite swift transport to a local hospital, she tragically succumbed to her injuries, leaving behind a grieving husband and a shocked community.
A desperate phone call from Loncharich to her husband moments after the attack revealed the terrifying ordeal she endured. The call, a final connection, painted a heartbreaking picture of the unfolding tragedy.
Authorities have charged Moore with first-degree premeditated murder, and he is currently awaiting his initial court appearance. Investigators are diligently working to uncover the motive behind this devastating assault, seeking answers to the questions that haunt those affected.
Legacy Place, the shopping center housing the bookstore, expressed profound sadness over the loss, extending heartfelt condolences to Loncharich’s family and friends. They emphasized their commitment to safety, stating they are cooperating fully with law enforcement and enhancing security measures.
The incident has prompted a review of security protocols throughout the center, a somber response to a tragedy that has shaken the sense of security within the community. The focus now remains on supporting those impacted and seeking justice for Rita Loncharich.
